NFA and Higher Education

Discover professional development opportunities that complement State Fire Training. Learn more about courses available through the National Fire Academy and explore fire science bachelor’s degree pathways designed to support leadership development, academic achievement, and long-term career growth in the fire service.

National Fire Academy Course Offerings

On-Campus Courses

The National Fire Academy is in Emmitsburg, Maryland. There are no tuition fees for on-campus courses. All instruction and course materials are provided at no cost. The NFA will reimburse you for airfare (or other ticketed means of transportation) or personal, department/organization, and rental vehicle mileage for on-campus courses. 

National Emergency Training Center Admissions Office

 

Off-Campus Courses

Search for a course in California or another state. There are no tuition fees for 2-day or 6-day NFA-Sponsored off-campus courses.

National Fire Academy Off-Campus Courses

 

Online Learning

Online learning is a terrific option if you want to take National Fire Academy (NFA) classes. Online courses are free to fire and emergency services personnel, and international students are welcome. Continuing education units are available for most courses. Successful course completion is added to your NFA transcript, and you earn an NFA certificate.

National Fire Academy Online Courses

NFA Course Call

Would you like to host a State-Sponsored NFA Course at your agency?

Apply for the NFA course call in March or September. Reach out to SFT Deputy State Fire Marshal Katy Luetke Porter to submit a Course Coordination Proposal.

 

National Fire Academy Course Call

 

Katy.Luetkeporter@fire.ca.gov

The Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education (FESHE) Initiative

The Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education (FESHE) initiative provides a certificate of recognition as an acknowledgement that a collegiate emergency services degree program meets the minimum standards of excellence established by FESHE professional development committees and the National Fire Academy

 

Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education Initiative

 

FESHE Program listing: A list of college and university degree programs that emphasize firefighting response, fire prevention, fire administration and emergency medical services (EMS) management.

 

All FESHE program listings

CAL POLY Humboldt

State Fire Training (SFT) and CSU Cal Poly Humboldt are excited to announce a pathway to a Bachelor of Arts in Leadership Studies. Students can now pursue higher education within the California State University system using SFT courses as elective credit. The CSU Cal Poly Humboldt Bachelor of Arts degree is 100% online.

All general education courses completed at the community college level must be transferable to the CSU system.

For more information about the Bachelor of Arts in Leadership Studies and core courses, review the SFT Information Bulletin (PDF) and visit the CSU Cal Poly Humboldt Leadership Studies website for enrollment information.

CAL POLY Humboldt Application Process

  1. Review CSU Cal Poly Humboldt, Leadership Studies Major
  2. Email leadership@humboldt.edu and request the SFT Credit for Prior Learning Transfer Agreement via email. You are also encouraged to meet with the Leadership Studies Academic Advisor before applying.
  3. Follow the application process as required by the university; submit transcripts for 60-70 lower division (community college) units with CSU-transferable general education.
  4. Provide the CSU Leadership Studies Academic Advisor with copies of your SFT Chief Fire Officer diplomas upon request, as well as any additional training certificates. CSU elective course transfer cost is $85/unit.

Additional Colleges Offering Bachelor's Degrees